Sweet friends, it’s the first Wednesday of the month, which means it’s time for Currently 11.2021. Once again, I am joining my friend Anne at In Residence for this link-up. In this edition we are sharing what we are currently appreciating, getting, making, sharing, and wearing. Apparently I missed last month’s Currently post. I was probably struggling with my technology issues. Isn’t it a shame I can’t remember? But I am back again for this month. And combining Currently with a Duke’s Mixture of other things. These posts are always fun to write. And I hope fun to read!!
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CURRENTLY 11.2021
Appreciating…
is not the right word, exactly. Amazed…over-the-moon that my mom called me yesterday. It has been MONTHS since she has done that. And she was able to dial the right number with 2 tries. So happy!! It would be wonderful if she could call me when it is a good time for her. When she is lonely. Bless her heart. I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw her name on my phone.
Getting…
my suitcase out for this weekend’s trip to Ft. Worth. Flying out early Thursday morning and returning late Sunday evening. Attending a baby shower in honor of our boy baby Declan, due in December. Happy to be spending some time with Brennyn, Mustafa and Cady in their home before their lives get turned topsy turvey with little one’s arrival. The kitties hate to see the suitcases come out. But at least this time, ‘daddy’ will stay home with them.
Making…
my friend Casey’s vegetable soup. Need a easy-to-fix hearty dinner? You’ve got to try this soup. It looks amazing and only took me a few minutes to throw together in the crock pot. I did mess up, however, because I threw the frozen veggies into the crock pot with everything else and Casey suggests adding them the last 30 minutes. Ooops. Mine will be good and steeped in flavor and real soft!! Need some new chili-soup-stew recipes to try? Please check out all the great recipes shared for our recent recipe swap and blog hop.
Sharing…
books. Our online book club voted to read The Secret of Snow by Viola Shipman in November. But it was a very close contest between The Secret of Snow and Into the Forest: A Holocaust Story of Survival, Triumph, and Love by Rebecca Frankel. I hope to read both. Each month I give away at least one copy of that month’s winning title to one of our members. So, in that way, I am sharing books. I love sharing books, gifting books to friends and strangers!! In a recent Thankful Thursday post, I again mentioned my gratitude journal that I use most nights to track those things I am thankful for each day. It was my pleasure to share a copy of that book with my blogging friend Iris at Iris Original Ramblings. After all, it was my friend Carrie at Curly, Crafty Mom who gave me my first gratitude journal. So I am just paying it forward.
Also want to share these writing prompts with anyone who likes to journal or appreciates an excuse to do some creative writing. I have been writing to Maria’s prompts for a couple of months. Usually as part of my morning devotional…but that hasn’t been as routine as it should be lately. Need to get back on the horse. You can visit Maria at the Krafty Planner. She has loads of goodies.
Wearing…
my Little Red costume for Halloween. We decided, rather at the last minute, to get dressed up for trick-or-treat. PC put on a baseball uniform with a Cincinnati Reds jersey from his visits to the Reds’ fantasy camp a couple of years ago. In keeping with his Reds theme, I pulled out my Little Red Riding Hood cape, skirt, blouse and bodice. And of course my basket with the wolf’s head inside.
HODGEPODGE
Here are the questions to this week’s Hodgepodge from my friend Joyce at From this Side of the Pond. Hodgepodge is a weekly series going live on Wednesdays but I do well to participate once a month. Joyce’s questions are always so much fun, though, that I would really miss it if I didn’t join in now and then.
3 Gratefuls
1. Three things you’re grateful for this first week of November? Brennyn is into her 32nd week of pregnancy, and she and baby Declan are both doing well. Out of the clear blue sky, my mom called me today. She hasn’t been able to dial a phone in months. Wonders never cease. Everyone in my immediate family has managed to keep from contracting Covid. (Can you believe we are still talking about this stupid virus??)
Telling Time
2. Is Daylight Savings Time a thing where you live? Do you think we should continue setting the clocks forward and back? Why or why not? If you could add an extra hour to your day would you want it added morning-noon-night? Do you think it likely you’d be more productive or more likely that you’d just waste more time? We do change to and from Daylight Savings Time. I guess I don’t really think about it too much in regards to light in the beginning of the day but I do like it when the days are lighter longer in the evenings. So for that reason, I like changing in the spring.
If I could get an extra hour each day, I would want it in the morning, please. But not from waking earlier. Just a magical extra hour between about 9 am and noon. That’s my most productive time of day, I would say, and when I am most likely to get off track and lose time without realizing what happened. Driving over the mountain to help with the girls – the physical act of driving the car over there and back home – can be an hour out of my day when I am not getting anything done. And talking to Mom, often having to call her 2-3 times before finally reaching her, is another 30 minutes where I am not able to do anything else. Both activities I want and like to do. But for this multitasker, it is hard to sit in the car driving and not be able to do anything else while I am doing that. I can’t really even talk on the phone when I drive across the mountain because I lose signal. So, an extra hour everyday would be swell.
A Few Faves
3. Who is your favorite author? Your favorite book by your favorite author? Can’t say that I have a favorite author. I have authors I like but I rarely read more than 1 or 2 books by the same author because I am usually disappointed with sequels and sequels of sequels. For example, I absolutely devoured Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. It was soooo good. I recommended it to everyone who would listen. But the sequel, Lost Roses was not nearly as good. So, I haven’t even tried the third book in the series, Sunflower Sisters. All that being said, I did love Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and it’s follow-up, Through the Looking-Glass.
4. It’s National Sandwich Day…will you celebrate? How often do you eat a sandwich? What’s your favorite? Thanks for pointing that out, Joyce!! I bet I can convince PC to go out for a sandwich for dinner tonight. Our favorite sandwich joint is a mom-n-pop sub restaurant called Brown Bag Deli, which is right outside Ft. Bliss and a favorite of soldiers stationed there. I like their #9, turkey, ham, cole slaw and swiss on wheat. We usually stop in Brown Bag after walking up McKelligon Canyon on a Saturday or Sunday.
52 Days ’til Christmas
5. Have you started your Christmas shopping? If so when did you start? If not when will you start? Do you give more or fewer gifts than you did five years ago? I have not started my Christmas shopping and really have no idea what to get anyone. None of us needs a thing. And for the most part, we can buy the things we want. Of course, I want to give my loved ones gifts…but what??? Hope maybe we can do something special to make holiday memories with our children. And maybe find some special gift for each of the grands to go along with making memories.
I am pretty certain this year’s Christmas will be less elaborate than Christmases in recent memory. Brennyn is having a C-section on 12.20, so baby Declan will be a Christmas gift to all of us.
6. Insert your own random thought here. Won’t elaborate now but just want to go on record saying that mothers never stop worrying about their babies and their babies’ babies. Motherhood is not for the feint of heart.
Fall Goals
This post is really long already so can you trust me to say that I met all of the summer goals? Getting blog back on track (somewhat), running the equivalent of a marathon in a month, finishing spring cleaning. Check, check and CHECK.
Here are the things I hope to accomplish this season. Now that we are well into it!!
- investigate water aerobics and pickleball: I hear tell that the rec center near us has both. The physical therapist has asked me to give up running and suggests water aerobics instead. Need to check it out. You might remember I was doing pickleball last year until…COVID. The facility where I was playing has closed so I am excited at the prospect that there is somewhere nearby where I can play.
- put old photos in albums: have mercy, this has been on a goal or bucket list for a year. Gotta make it happen. Want to identify whomever I can in the old black and whites of my grand- and great grandparents, and then toss (hurts me to say that) the rest.
- finish elephant cross stitch: have been working a little teensy bit on it lately. Moved the basket with my cross stitch stuff in it closer to the couch but PC trips over it all the time. Ugh.
- try reels: want to learn how to do reels on Instagram so I can try my hand at them.
- finish notary course: so frustrated. I was almost done with the online course and then my time allotted to complete it ran out. Now I need to start all over again. And pay to do so.
Wish me luck. Also, written in invisible ink on there is getting the carpets cleaned. I really would like to do that but don’t want to promise it will happen before winter.
Thankful Thursday 11.03.2021
While I am at it, going to share a few of the things I am thankful for this week. Will be flying tomorrow and may not have an opportunity to blog, so tossing them in with this Duke’s Mixture of a post. Joining Rebecca Jo at Knit by God’s Hand and Jennifer at All 4 Boys in sharing the hosting responsibilities for the Thankful Thursday series. Some weeks, you might discover posts from all 3 of us, other Thursdays, it might just be one of us hosting. Sometimes you might find a post from me on a Friday!! But whatever the case, YOU are always welcome to join us!!
STRAIGHT FROM MY GRATITUDE JOURNAL
For my Thankful Thursday posts, I usually share the ‘gratefuls’ I’ve listed in my gratitude journal over the week or month, whatever length of time has elapsed since my last Thankful Thursday post. Always lots of things to be thankful for even if I don’t get around to writing a post about them all.
This week I am especially thankful:
- for our convertible top on the Mustang
- the lovely drive along the New Mexico wine trail
- PC wanted to dress up for Halloween
- we’ve both been sleeping well
- our weather has been glorious – the typical terrible October winds never materialized much this year
- Paul looked and looked (tried a half-dozen stores) for a pumpkin trick or treat basket for Cami
- Valerie, Kevin and PC listening to me when I am worried
- for the anticipation of my trip to Ft. Worth and dinner at our favorite sushi restaurant, Sushi Tao
- my fantasy football team won this week
- Valerie had Tuesday off for elections and we were able to scrapbook together
- for the technology of mammograms and physical therapy
- my mom called ME
November’s 10 on the 10th
Want to take this opportunity to share the graphic and prompt for this month’s 10 on the 10th. We will be sharing 10 photos of things we are grateful for. If you’re like me, it will be hard to narrow it down to just 10!!
Feel free to grab the graphic below to include in your post. And if you don’t blog, you are always invited to join in by listing your 1o in a comment or over on my Facebook page, here.
Your Turn
Would love to hear some of your responses to the Currently prompts, or the HodgePodge questions or to read what goals you’ve set for fall. Hope you will also link up your Thankful Thursday post with us and stop by to visit Anne, Joyce, Rebecca and Cathy and some of the others linked up below.
Off to throw clothes in my suitcase while the kitties are distracted with dinner.
Hugs and kisses,
Dara
I have The Secret of Snow and I plan to read it at some point. I heard it’s good. It kind of bothers me that the author is actually a man using a woman’s name! I hope you have a great time at the shower! November 10 is my birthday, so your prompt will go well with a summation of my past year!
Lysha
CHRISTMAS IS GOING TO BE SO SWEET FOR YALL WITH A NEW BABY COMING RIGHT BEFORE.
Donna Connolly
Good news about your mom calling you.
Thank you for the book share and the recipe share. I’ve been looking for a new Vegetable Soup recipe. I will give yours a closer look today. 😀
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you!! Please do.
Iris Smale
I’m not much on Halloween, but I love your Little Red Riding Hood outfit – especially with the wolf hood.
An extra hour in the day – I’d definitely want it in the evening. I seriously hate it when it gets dark so very early.
Glad your mother called you – I can only imagine how great that was. Hope your trip for the baby shower is a good one. Be safe.
Iris
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Me, too!!
Joanne
I just started pulling photos for my 10 on the 10th post today (I’ve got the first 4 all set!). I am featuring that same gratitude set by Krafty Planner on my blog today. Her planner pages always look great. I really loved Lilac Girls and thought Lost Roses was just Okay but I could not get into Sunflower Sisters at all. I have, however, been wanting to get the other side of Connecticut and see the actual Bellamy- Ferriday House and Gardens.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Loved Lilac Girls but not Lost Roses. And haven’t even tried Sunflower Sisters.
Laura Bambrick
There is something about cats and suitcases! Good luck with your goals! Becoming a notary is a great idea! I didn’t know you could do that online.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you!!
ShootingStarsMag
I’m glad your daughter and the baby are doing well – he’ll definitely be a lovely Christmas gift for you all. Enjoy your trip visiting this weekend. That’s so sweet of you to give one of your book club members a copy of the book each month. I do love sharing books!
-Lauren
Jennifer Smith
Hope you are having the most fabulous time right now!! Enjoy your trip. Loved your costume!!
Natalie
I hope you have a safe and fun trip to Ft. Worth. Glad to hear your daughter and the baby are doing well, and your mom called you. Well done with your summer goals! Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
Christie Hawkes
I love that your Mom called you, Leslie. Larry’s Mom struggles with the phone too, so we can relate. Fortunately, she is just up the street, so we get to spend a lot of time with her, but the phone allows her to reach out when she wants or needs it.
I just finished Lilac Girls. I love it! I hope you enjoy it as well.
Good luck on your fall goals!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you.
Joanne Tracey
So much to comment on, but I’m going to stick to 2: I love love love your cheeky red riding hood costume – and the basket with the wolf’s head. As for my favourite sandwich? For me it’s vegemite and cheese & has to be on white bread (the only time I really eat white bread) and proper butter.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Ha!! Thank you, sweets. I love the word cheeky!!
Jill
I’m so happy your mom called you! I bet that was such a nice surprise! The birth of your grandchild is going to be the best Christmas gift of all! Safe travels!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Jessica A Jannenga
That was great to hear that your mom called! Wonderful. I do enjoy dressing up, but didn’t this year, instead Truffles was Princess Leia and Gibby was an Ewok. I love it as the kids enjoy seeing the pups! Love the Little Red Riding Hood costume! Your warm and hearty veggie soup sounds delicious, and you live and learn with regards t the veggies:-) I have been thinking about water aerobics after the Holidays at my gym, it is a great workout and easy on the joints! I enjoyed reading all that you are up to!
Have a great day Leslie!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Laura Bambrick
That Little Red Riding Hood costume is so cute! I love the wolf’s head addition! The Secret of Snow sounds interesting!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, doll. Not sure if you have a free minute to read but The Secret of Snow is really good, if you do!!
Natasha
I LOVE that you dressed up on Halloween — so fun! And YAY YAY YAY YAY YAY for your mom calling you!!! I’m celebrating with you here my friend.
Natasha
And I did put Sunflower Sisters on hold. I didn’t love Lost Roses all that much either but maybe she’ll get better with her third book. That’s what happened with Kate Quinn so I hold out hope…
Erin @ Cracker Crumb Life
Love so much that you got that call from your mom. I got a little teary imagining how that must have felt. 🙂
And congrats on the new little one coming soon!!! Declan is one of my fave names and I had it on the list for Wyatt! (along with Beckett and Hudson) And a baby for Christmas – all the joy right there. 🙂
I am so glad I am not the only one who often skips sequels!! I usually just don’t like them as much either!
Kirstin
Great update Leslie. I’m so far behind in all my blog commenting. Ugh! Getting ready to do my 10 on the 10th post.